Delray Beach mayor addresses opioid epidemic

There have been hundreds of overdoses and dozens of deaths related to opioid use, now there's a declaration of war.

"We need the cavalry, and we need it quickly," said Delray Beach Mayor Cary Glickstein. "This is no longer a recovery industry in South Florida. It's a relapse industry."

Glickstein is talking about the opioid epidemic, one that he says has had a devastating impact on his city. "Businesses and residents want to move elsewhere because they're sick of it."

Glickstein is one of many local leaders who took their concerns to the state capitol Wednesday. The South Palm Beach County mayor wants legislation to help stop the problem. Glickstein believes sober homes in Delray are part of the problem.

"It's all about the money. Cycle these kids through as many times and places as possible until those insurance benefit are depleted. Then fill it with somebody else through deceptive advertising that's broadcast all over the country."

Glickstein said me he believes the current bills, if passed, will make difference when it comes to regulating the sober homes. He says families in other states are being mislead far too often.

"They're not getting better and many are dying in our streets hundreds of miles away from home."

The bill passed it's committee. However, Glickstein expects the recovery industry to put up a big fight.